Tee-shirt and a pair of jeans was always my go to outfit in high school. It was simple and I never had to worry about matching. However this is the way my life allowed to dress. Not one piece of my wardrobe was equal to anything over $40 dollars. In fact, my entire wardrobe probably equaled $40 dollars. My outfits weren’t always simple because of the lack of funds, but because it would be too strange for everyone involved if I dressed any nicer then usual. This is what kept me from dressing how I wanted.

Where I’m from, you are labeled by how you express yourself. People always seem to have something to say about it too. People are judged by their piercings, tattoos, hairstyles, make-up, and clothes. However, if they tried to conform to the traditional “look” people from the area sport, others will have a comment for that as well, and how they are “trying to be someone they’re not.” No should feel like others have the right to tell them how to dress. Your body is your body, and the way you dress effects the way you feel. Don't give up your happiness for the unecessary judgements of others.

I have always sported a "different" style, making eyes wonder in my direction wherever I went. From the blue hair to the time I shaved my entire head, my style has gone it's own way. When I left high school for college, something changed. I realized that I had a chance to express myself how I've always wanted to. I grasped this idea and jumped for it. Enter maxi dresses, and extravagant make-up, high heels and crop tops! I loved my new wardrobe, but mostly, I loved that I could leave my room with complete confidence in myself and the way I look.

After my first year of college came to an abrupt end, I thought so did my style. Back to my jeans and tee-shirts, pony tail and minimum make-uped life. But leaving my home town and going to college had taught me to be confident in how I expressed myself and I was able to bring that home with me. The first day home I sported a "college" outfit; one that I never would have been caught dead in before. Of course I got stared at and judged by endless amounts of people but my confidence completely was able to blind myself from the mindless glares.

People should be allowed to express themselves however they want. Just because you my not like a particular look, doesn't mean that everyone else has to hate it as well. So to all my brave people out there, express yourself! Don't conform to what others believe you to be, be who you want to be and nothing less.